Shipping Goods With or Containing Lithium Batteries

As of January 1, 2018 new rules have been introduced for packages containing lithium batteries that are packed and shipped as individual items (loose/bulk), in accordance with Section IA, IB and II of packing instruction 965 or 968.

Lithium Batteries packed in accordance with Section IA or IB of packing instruction 965 or 968 These batteries must not be packed together in the same outer packaging with dangerous goods classified as explosives (other than the ones classified in Division 1.4S), flammable gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids or oxidizers. This is also applicable when these batteries are placed in an overpack with the above mentioned dangerous goods.Lithium Batteries packed in accordance with Section I of packing instruction 966, 967, 969 or 970: DHL Express requires the same segregation as mentioned above for Section IA and IB to be applied for lithium batteries shipped in accordance with Section I of packing instruction 966, 967, 969 or 970.

Lithium Batteries packed in accordance with Section II of packing instruction 965 or 968: These packages are not allowed to be packed together with any regulated dangerous goods.Also these batteries must not be placed in the same overpack with dangerous goods classified as explosives (other than the ones classified in Division 1.4S), flammable gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids or oxidizers.

Lithium batteries packed in accordance with packing instruction 968 are forbidden in DHL Time Definite Network.

Marking and labelling:The Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods hazard label can still be used, as part of the transitional period, until the end of December 2018 for packages containing lithium batteries prepared in accordance with Section I, IA or IB of the lithium battery packing instructions.

Also the lithium battery handling label may be applied to packages containing lithium batteries prepared in accordance with Section IB or Section II of the lithium battery packing instructions, until the end of December 2018.

A wide variety of electronic goods powered by Lithium Batteries are affected by the regulations, regardless of whether they are rechargeable (Lithium Ion) or non-rechargeable (Lithium Metal). The regulations apply when:

Lithium Batteries are packed separately but shipped with equipment in the same box. Example: A cell phone with a replaceable Lithium Battery

Lithium Batteries are contained or installed in equipment and therefore shipped in the same box. Example: A computer tablet with an integrated Lithium Battery within the device that cannot be removed or replaced by the user

Due to increasing safety concerns raised by the aviation industry, the IATA regulations governing the shipping of Lithium Batteries have been tightened and airlines consequently have to enforce these regulations more rigorously.

Please note that the safe transportation of such contents by air and the full compliance to IATA regulations is the legal responsibility of the Shipper. In view of this fact, IATA has produced a guide to help Shippers understand and comply with the regulations.

Any person, company or entity identified as the Shipper on the DHL Express shipment waybill is legally responsible to ensure 100% compliance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. This responsibility persists even if the shipment containing the Lithium Batteries does not actually belong to or was made by the person, company or entity identified on the waybill.

To avoid any undesirable consequences, please alert DHL Express whenever you intend to send any shipments containing Lithium Batteries. Our team of experts will be pleased to guide you through the latest IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Following an IATA/ICAO decision to ban loose Lithium Metal batteries on passenger aircraft as from January 2015, DHL Express is unable to accept these batteries on its network. The IATA/ICAO regulation applies to loosely packed Lithium Metal batteries adhering to Section II, PI968 while Lithium Metal batteries packed with equipment (PI969) or contained in equipment (PI970) are acceptable for transport.

As of 1st of January 2017 for PI967 and PI970 there is the requirement that the consignment is limited to a maximum of 2 packages (each containing maximum 4 cells or 2 batteries contained in equipment).

If the shipment exceeds 2 packages, the application of the new lithium battery mark or lithium battery handling label (and the subsequent requirements) apply.

Due to the fact that PI965 is forbidden on passenger aircraft we offer a limited service. PI965 Section II requires separate dangerous goods account approval, since April 2016. For additional information please contact your local DHL representative. Lithium ion batteries packed with equipment (PI966) or contained in equipment (PI967) are acceptable for transport.